[Sarcoma of the pulmonary artery--pre- and postoperative radiologic findings in initial tumor manifestation and recurrence].

PURPOSE: Primary pulmonary artery sarcomas are very rare tumors. Their diagnosis is difficult due to their unspecific symptoms. Still, an early preoperative diagnosis is the only possibility for a potential therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 4 pre- and 5 postoperative CT- and three pre- and one postoperative MRT-examination(s) have been evaluated with respect to surgical and histological findings.
RESULTS: The presence of a convex intraluminal bulging mass spreading mostly from the pulmonary trunc continuously into the peripheral pulmonary artery branches the filling and dilatation of the vessels, the tumor's inhomogeneity indicating hemorrhages and necrosis and the appearance of intrapulmonary nodules are found in both CT and MRI. Recurrent pulmonary artery sarcoma features an extravascular growth and is similar to lung cancer affecting the vessels. It shows contrast enhancement both in CT and MRI while the primary tumor shows a distinct contrast enhancement only of Gadopentetate dimeglumine but none or little enhancement in CT.
CONCLUSION: The criteria presented in knowledge of CT and MRI serve to increase the probability for a correct preoperative diagnosis and thus allow adequate surgical planning.